KIDD BROTHERS' BIOGRAPHY

When Andrew and John Kidd
step onto a playground they are not there just to play, they are
there to help make the playground SAFE!Armed with a ruler and basketball in their hands, they
mean business.These
are the tools they use to measure if the playground spaces are
safe.

Andrew and John Kidd became involved
with playground safety after Andrew’s accident.In 1994, 5-year-old Andrew fell from atop a 9-foot climber.His injuries included 200 bruises, a displaced jaw and lip,
and 2 broken teeth.Andrew
had to have 15 surgeries.After the successful surgeries, Andrew has become a KID
CHECKER!

Following Andrew’s
accident, the Indianapolis Star newspaper wrote an article
about Andrew.NPPS
read the story and then contacted him.Since then, he has been a part of the NPPS team.

In 2000, Andrew and John had
another experience at a playground.At the time, Andrew was 10 years old and John was 8 years
old.They went to
a playground near their home. Before they played, they did a check
to make sure it was safe. They
decided that the playground was safe.However,
John lost his

John Kidd

grip on a zip line track ride and fell 7 feet.He lost his breath for a couple of seconds.Fortunately, John fell onto a surface that had 15 inches
of mulch.Because of
the safe surface, John was able to get back up and continue playing.

Today, Andrew and John are working to help
prevent playground injuries.They travel across the country talking to communities,
children, parents and news media about playground safety.

For such dedication to playground
safety, McDonald’s and Walt Disney chose Andrew as one of the
Millennium Dreamers.Only
2000 young people, ages 8 – 15, were chosen.Over 11,000 children were nominated.Children had to submit essays on what they’re doing to
make a difference in their communities.

One of the trips highlights
was meeting Christopher Reeve.The actor told Andrew that, “There are no super heroes.Heroes are just ordinary people who, because of their circumstances,
do extraordinary things.”

Because of Andrew’s injuries,
John and Andrew have done extraordinary things for playground
safety education.They have handed out 150 safety brochures at a park and to
25 legislators.Andrew
and John have spoken with Indiana’s Governor.The Kidd brothers have taught playground safety classes
to both Cub Scouts and 5th graders.They have done several live TV interviews, including NBC's
Later Today and Oprah.Andrew’s goal is to “Make America’s Playground Safe!”John’s goal is “Let’s go out there and play safe!”

Together, Andrew and John
hope you will help them Make America’s Playground Safe!